History

Hvar's history lasts already for the millennia. Its wealth and contents are a result of numerous circumstances and advantages of Hvar. Nautical position of the Port of Hvar is certainly important. From the very beginnings of seafaring on sails, the island of Hvar was situated in the centre of sea routes in Adriatic. The port of Hvar, being protected by small islands and of naturally excellent shape, made a safe haven for boats, hiding from perilous winds.
As a frame for the first acquaintance with history, I extract the most important dates from the rich historical adventure of Hvar.

1st millennium BC

In the area of today’s city of Hvar the earliest known settlement is found. It was established by Illyrians, and it spreads out on slopes of hill at the northern side of town square (which was then a small lagoon that came all the way to the today’s cathedral). There is a strong hold on the top of the hill.

4th century BC
Greeks from the island of Pharos established PHAROS in Stari Grad.

4th - 3rd century BCSome historians presume that at this time there where Hvar is today, was a Greek polis HERACLEA.

2nd - 5th century
There is a smaller roman settlement and harbour around the small lagoon, which was later covered and became a town square.

6th - 7th century
Hvar (LISINA) is an important naval station within Byzantine Dalmatian. The town itself is situated in the area of today’s square, and on the south side of the square is a fort.

8th - 13th century
Hvar (LESNA) is almost deserted. There was a Benedictine monastery of St. Mary’s at the end of the lagoon, where today stands the cathedral.

11th centuryHvar is a part of Croatian state..

1278
Under the influence of powerful Venice, island’s centre is moved from Stari Grad to Hvar. Hvar becomes a centre of dioceses (which consists of Hvar, Braï¿½, and Vis) and it is a centre of communal government.

1420
Hvar once more occupied by Venice and remains a part of it until 1797. Within Venetian state city of Hvar is the main military and naval station on the Adriatic and an important transit centre. It is the time when cultural development is based on agriculture, fishing, sailing and trade. In this period Hvar built its recognisable urban character, and brought the highest spiritual values (numerous poets, playwrights, historians and theologists). The first citizen’s theatre, founded in 1612, is certainly the most important part of the heritage.

1510, 6th of February
A miracle in Hvar! A small wooden cross bled.

1510 - 1514
Permanent military conflicts between nobles and citizens, which end with Venice’s intervention.

1571Island of Hvar was attacked by the Turks.

1579
An explosion of gun-powder in town fortress caused great destruction in the city of Hvar.

1813 - 1918
Hvar is a part of Austria. This is a period of exceptional economic and cultural life of Hvar, which will revive by the end of 19th century with development of cultivation of vine.

1868 A group of reputed Hvar’s residents, led by the bishop Juraj Dubkoviï¿½, founded a professional tourist association by the name of “The Hygienic Association Hvar”, which had as it goals promoting and development of tourist services in the city. This association was a predecessor of the Tourist board of City of Hvar.
1900
Medical hotel of Empress Elisabeth, founded on the grounds of Doge’s palace. Today it is the hotel Palace.

1921 - 1941
Hvar is a part of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. It is a period of poverty and migration to overseas countries. A slow development of tourism gives new economic perspectives in Hvar. Finances for development of tourist services and offer, and great promotion of Hvar are secured. The city bath and swimming area is built, then mentioned as the most beautiful in the Adriatic.

1945 - 1990
Hvar transforms from a small provincial town into the mundane, tourist summer resort, which results in massive, summer, recreational tourism.

1991Hvar part of its homeland again, in free and independent Republic of Croatia. During Homeland War Hvar gave accommodation to the refugees.

2003
Hvar in post-war years becomes again an "in" destination of young European tourists. There was over half million over-night stays, despite the tourist recession in the world.(M. Petric)(www.tzhvar.hr)